Residents whose homes may become compromised during a storm or hurricane are being encouraged to seek shelter early.
Minister of Home Affairs and Information, Wilfred Abrahams, made this plea as he addressed a press conference to launch the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season, at the Department of Emergency Management, on Wednesday.
Making reference to the 2021 passage of Hurricane Elsa, the Minister said there were instances where persons remained in homes that could not withstand the storm, despite pleas for them to evacuate.
Mr. Abrahams added that the hurricane’s passage highlighted the vulnerability of the island’s housing stock.
However, he noted that members of the District Emergency Organisations (DEOs) visited vulnerable people ahead of an impact and encouraged them to go to shelters.
“I know Bajans are attached to their houses…, to their possessions,” he said. But, he stressed that possessions could be replaced. “Pack your passport, your medication into some zip lock bags…pack the critical stuff…. If you know your house is vulnerable, when you are advised that the storm is going to hit us, put the things you prepacked and make your way to the nearest shelter. You can go back and check your house afterwards,” the Minister advised.
Director of the DEM, Kerry Hinds, noted that there were a total of 89 shelters. Of this number, there are 30 category one shelters which can be accessed before the impact of a system, and 59 category two shelters which are used after its passage.
Ms. Hinds explained that the shelters were all inspected before being made available to the public by officials from the Ministry of Education, engineers, health officials and members of the DEOs. “No shelter goes on the list unless the team gives it the green light,” she said.
The Director urged members of the public to become familiar with the location of their nearest shelter. For the full list of shelters, persons may click here or the DEM website.